Chief Academic Research Officer

Lovelace Biomedical has engaged with Korn Ferry to lead the search for this position only.  To apply and express interest in this position , please visit Korn Ferry | Chief Academic Officer for further information.

As an integral part of the Lovelace Leadership Team, the Chief Academic Research Officer (CARO) will develop and lead the all of the Institute’s Academic Research activities and functions to optimize our scientific operations and develop and expand research revenue.

The CARO will play a critical role in driving the execution of research and business development initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and fostering innovation across Lovelace’s scientific functional areas, specifically:

• Operational Leadership: Lead the seamless daily operations of Lovelace’s research facility.  Will utilize prior academic experience to optimize resource allocation, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold rigorous scientific standards.  Understanding best academic practices, will identify opportunities for process enhancements to accelerate research outcomes.
• Scientific Guidance: Apply technical knowledge, preferably in the Institute’s areas of expertise in respiratory and neuroscience research, to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams.  Influence research methodologies, experimental design and data analysis approaches.
• Market Trends & Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and scientific advancements.  Recommend and implement strategies for leveraging new opportunities.
• Funding Development: Leverage Lovelace’s scientific capabilities to Drive business growth by identifying, initiating and nurturing collaborations with a variety of funding sources.  Cultivate relationships with stakeholders to obtain new funding opportunities to enhance Lovelace’s research revenue. 
• Team Management & Mentorship: Manage and mentor a team of Principal Investigators and associated technical support staff.  Foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and professional growth.  Develop staffing plans and work with the Human Resources Department to design an overall talent strategy to achieve research goals.
• Resource Oversight: Oversee budgets, timelines and resource allocation with precision to ensure research projects are executed efficiently and effectively, and within budget.
• Regulatory Oversight: Uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance with all regulatory bodies to include the USDA, FDA, CDC, and other similar governmental regulators.

The CARO will also be a Tenure-Eligible Faculty member that leads their own research program as part of our collaborative research team.  Tenure will be through New York Medical College and offer not only guaranteed generous salary support, but opportunities for research collaborations and trainees. Competitive start-up package and long-term institutional support to include significant dedicated annual funding will be provided to expand collaborative research across LBRI and NYMC and for the applicant to continue to grow their extramurally funded research program.

Requires a Ph.D. or M.D., complemented by a distinguished academic, funding and research track record, and a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in scientific operations, including significant leadership roles within an academic setting; or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.  Requires a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated senior managerial experience leading large and diverse teams.

Must have proven and demonstrated expertise in either respiratory or neuroscience research.

The CARO must have a comprehensive understanding of all applicable regulatory frameworks and an established history of successfully navigating regulatory challenges; exceptional leadership acumen evidenced by a track record of effectively leading and mentoring scientific teams; proven experience in collaborating with Federal Government agencies including a successful history of securing grants and partnerships; demonstrated success in driving business development initiatives leading to sustained revenue growth.  This position requires strong networking skills capable of building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in academia and government.

The successful candidate must have strong financial acumen and detailed experience managing budgets, resource allocation and financial forecasting, to include overseeing the purchase and use of research supplies and equipment, research animals, and developing appropriate staffing support levels.  Must also have a results-oriented approach and the ability to consistently drive projects to successful completion while exceeding targets, and the ability to leverage technology and data to enhance operational efficiency and decision making.

Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to lead large research groups; be adept at leading change management initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proven ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment and make effective decisions under pressure. 

Requires unquestionable integrity and ethical standards, and a track record of consistently upholding the highest level of professionalism, scientific integrity and confidentiality.  Must also have professional-level communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with a broad variety of executives, scientific leaders, technical staff, administrative support staff, and all other Institute stakeholders.

Prior experience in a nonprofit biomedical research setting.

Work is performed in a variety of office and laboratory environments.  Will operate standard office equipment and will frequently stand, walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, perform repetitive motions and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

May also operate standard laboratory equipment and will frequently stand, walk, sit, perform lab- and desk-based computer tasks, perform laboratory techniques requiring grasping/pipetting/hand dexterity, perform repetitive motions..  Will wear personal protective equipment which may include a respirator.  May work in close proximity to an environment containing research animals and may be required to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious agents are present which may require vaccinations.

The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of physical requirements.  The Institute will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the starting date is negotiable. LBRI offers competitive salaries, generous retirement contributions, and comprehensive benefits package. Relocation, including personal and research laboratory members will be provided for moving to the Albuquerque area.

EEO, including disability/vets